The Sens are a team that went to the Stanley Cup final two years ago before suffering a disappointing season in 2007-08.

They have a new coach and now no more Ray Emery.

Can the Senators turn it around and make a fresh start next season? Have your say in our forum.

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501 Comments

Have to agree with what you say gordholio. Certainly, the jury is always out on any new coach - anywhere - until the results are in and analyzed.

But with upwards of 10 players on the way out - and maybe 12 - it's going to be a vastly different look on the ice. NONE among Emery, Richardson, Donovan, Robitaille, Lapointe, Commodore, Kelly, McGrattan and Redden will be back and Stillman won't if his agent is seeking over $3 mil.

Then there are the rumours regarding Spezza and Meszaros as the main parts of a trade or two.

That many changes could either turn them around, or backfire badly at the start of the season anyway if the newcomers take a while to fit in. Gonna be an interesting season in the capital.
DisgruntledFan, 2008-06-17 11:43:45

Every new coach says the right things when he's hired, like I will make the players accountable, etc.

Only time will tell. I have the feeling Ottawa is a bit beyond their window of opportunity unless they can sort out their goaltending situation and bring in some players with heart.
gordholio, 2008-06-17 01:36:14

Doesn't matter who is the coach....it's the PENS time now, atleast my team put up a fight in the finals and quickly disposed of your SO CALLED team along the way. HA HA we will have Stanley long before you.
Cros87, 2008-06-16 14:40:37

The Sens are a useless bunch of choke artists (WOW they made the final once), if you don't win the cup your the same as the other 29 teams. A team that has never even won a playoff series against my beloved but yet lowly Leafs. I like hartsburg as a coach but check out his coaching record!!!!! At least the Leafs got one right by getting Wilson, Good Luck Ottawa because your time at the Top is Over.....It's all but down hill for your team here on in!
SENS SUCK, 2008-06-16 14:38:09

Yes and no. The team's defence is dismantled with the trading away of Joe Corvo and the departure of Zedeno Chara. They will also lose Wade Redden to free agency. This will leave them with no quarterback on the power play. The "New NHL" has plenty of power plays. You win or lose depending on the quality of your power play. They will not fare well going into the season with over-the-hill players such as Luke Richardson and Mike "the pylon" Commodore. Many may not agree with me but I believe that the Ottawa Senators are now in a mini crisis. They are essentially a one-line team with a weak defence and questions at the goalie position. They need to acquire Brian Campbell and another defenseman from free agency and two power forwards as well.

It's not only Craig Hartsburg that has his job cut out. Brian Murray is on the hot seat more now than ever.

its like LeafFAN22 that make me cringe at being a hockey fan and a Leaf fan. yes i dislike the Sens when the game is on the and wish their new coach well pulling together a team laden with skill and low on desire. good luck Hartsburg, good luck Wilson and LeafFAN22 learn to spell and lay off the caps. we already know you partake of the koolaid on a daily basis.
David, 2008-06-13 17:45:51

Hey LeafFAN22

Why is it that a LaughFAN has to weigh in on Ontario's other team with an useless comment when HIS team has been nothing than a Dog and Pony show for the last 41, count em, years AND will be for another while. Bring on Hartsburg and let's see what happens!! and at least we make the playoffs.
Mark, 2008-06-13 15:48:42

Now I'm happy! The team will be accountable and structured which is the difference between the team being a contender and perennial "also-rans."

GO SENS!
rick, 2008-06-13 15:13:31

Beats me I don't have my Magic 8 Ball with me. I'm pretty sure however that the Ottawa's managment has him on a very short leash, waching what kibble to feed him and is probally watching every move that he makes. Poor guy might even get Spaded or Neutered.
A hockey fan, 2008-06-13 15:04:10